Is use of VPN sinful for Muslims?

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) on Friday declared the use of virtual private networks (VPN) as contrary to Sharia, endorsing the government’s authority to ban such software. In a statement issued on Friday, CII Chairman Allama Raghib Hussain Naeemi stated that the government is empowered to restrict tools that facilitate access to objectionable, blasphemous, and anti-state content.

“Government’s action like ban on VPN conforms to injunctions of Shariat and as per recommendations of the council,” said Allama Naeemi. He argued that VPNs are often used to bypass restrictions on websites blocked for promoting immorality or spreading disinformation.

Read more: Govt sets deadline to block illegal VPNs amid security concerns

He elaborated that the council views the use of VPNs to access blocked or illegal content as a violation of Islamic principles. “As per principles of Shariat, it is intention of anybody which provides logic for any act. Therefore, use of VPN, which violates Islamic social laws, is against Shariat. It amounts to assistance for committing any sinful act,” he added.

Responding to a written query about VPN usage, the CII chairman highlighted that these applications are primarily designed for privacy and security purposes by concealing users’ identities and locations. However, he noted that in practice, they are frequently employed to access banned websites.

“It has been observed the software application under discussion is used to watch banned websites which have been blocked by government,” said Allama Naeemi, adding that such platforms often promote immoral behaviour and lead to cybercrimes such as data theft.

He reiterated that the government’s actions in banning VPNs align with Sharia and are aimed at upholding the law and preventing the misuse of technology. “If government has banned any website or material, then trying to breach that blockade is not only unlawful act but also against morality,” he said.

The council also called for a comprehensive strategy to address the issue, including an awareness campaign through media. “There should also be an awareness campaign on media through audio and video messages,” Allama Naeemi suggested.

The CII, during its meeting on May 20, 2023, recommended that the government enhance efforts to prevent the misuse of social media and block content that undermines societal values. The council also urged the Cybercrime Wing of the FIA and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to register websites and take action to ban VPN usage in the country.

“The council appreciates government’s decision to ban VPN in Pakistan,” said Allama Naeemi, emphasising the need for an effective ban on technologies that undermine the enforcement of laws and Islamic values.